After analyzing the data I have concluded that Catholic Mummies are the answer.
That is, the way the Catholic Church deals with mummies and the scientists who study them. There have been a variety of mummies found on grounds belonging to the Catholic Church, some enshrined and some hidden and later discovered. And, as long they were not saints the allowed and even encouraged to be studied by the Vatican Museum 1. A member of the Catholic Church’s Vatican Museum even went on video supporting mummy research for the sake of modern medicine 2.
This makes me hopeful that this is the answer to the question of how to deal with mummies in a way that doesn’t prevent progress but respects the views of various groups is that it is already happening. In Argentina the mummy La Doncella has been kept in the area it was found, and visitors to the museum in which she resides may choose not to view her 3. This set up appeals to the local culture, those who don’t want to see the mummy who still looks very human, and those who are worried about her preservation. And while there will always those who want the mummies left alone entirely this compromise has done well foe the museum and has allowed for a great deal of information to be discover from La Doncella and her two companions.
I believe that as long as scientists and museums are willing to return stolen artifacts that they unknowingly purchased (and charged the thief the money as opposed to the people they are giving the mummy back to ) that relations between the historical community and native cultures will greatly improve5.. Thus I believe that the Catholic Church is setting a good example with the way they treat their and other mummies and allow the study and display of their artifacts. As long as the groups involved with mummies can continue on this track I believe that the historical community will flourish and turn out valuable information in the years to come.
- “Mummies at the Vatican”, last updated January 18, 2023, http://www.catholic.org/video/watch.php?v=6154 ↵
- “Mummies at the Vatican”, last updated January 18, 2023, http://www.catholic.org/video/watch.php?v=6154 ↵
- “In Argentina, a Museum Unveils a Long-Frozen Maiden” last updated September 11, 2007, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/11/science/11mummu.html?_r=1& ↵
- “The ritual of Capacocha” last updated November 1999, http://pueblosoriginarios.com/sur/andina/inca/capacocha.html ↵
- “Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage,” last updated November 16, 1972, http://whc.unesco.org/archive/convention-en.pdf ↵
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